Question 1

How does Turftenders pricing work?

Accepted Answer

Every project starts with a free on-site walkthrough. You get a written line-item estimate within 48 hours — no phone-quote guesses. Maintenance programs are billed monthly in advance; install projects are 30% deposit, 30% at mid-point, 40% on completion.

Question 2

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

All of Monterey County — Salinas, Monterey, Carmel, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Seaside, Marina, Prunedale, Castroville, Gonzales, Soledad, Greenfield, King City — plus nearby Hollister (San Benito) and Watsonville (Santa Cruz County).

Question 3

How fast can you start my project?

Accepted Answer

We schedule walkthroughs within the same week for most Monterey County requests. Typical project start is 2–6 weeks after contract signing depending on scope. Maintenance programs can usually start the following week.

Question 4

Are you licensed and insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes. California Contractor's License (C-27 Landscape), $2M general liability, $1M auto liability, and workers' comp at statutory limits on every crew member. Certificate of insurance available on request, with your HOA or property manager added as additional insured.

Question 5

Do you offer financing?

Accepted Answer

Yes — 0% APR promotional financing through Hearth for qualifying install projects over $5,000. Approval usually takes under 2 minutes, and we apply the funds directly so you don't pay out-of-pocket.

Question 6

How do I pay?

Accepted Answer

ACH, check, or credit card (credit card adds 2.9%). Maintenance clients are billed monthly in advance. Install projects use milestone billing: 30% deposit, 30% mid-project, 40% on completion and walk-through.

Question 7

Do you guarantee your work?

Accepted Answer

Yes. 1-year workmanship warranty on all installs, plus manufacturer warranties on turf (8 years), hardscape materials (varies 10–50 years), and a 1-year plant-replacement warranty on trees and shrubs. Keep the invoice — it's your warranty document.

Question 8

Can you work with my HOA?

Accepted Answer

Yes — HOA work is roughly a third of our book. We handle architectural-review submittals, water-compliance documentation, resident communication, and board-meeting attendance. See the HOA Contracts page for program details.

Question 9

What happens after I request a quote?

Accepted Answer

Step 1: We review your request the day it comes in. Step 2: We reach out within 24 hours to schedule a walkthrough — usually that same week. Step 3: Walkthrough + site measurement. Step 4: Written estimate in your inbox within 48 hours of the visit.

Question 10

Do you charge for consultations?

Accepted Answer

No. Initial on-site walkthroughs and written estimates are free in Monterey County. Design consultations (full landscape design projects) have a design fee that's credited toward construction if you move forward with us.

Question 11

What if I want to change the scope mid-project?

Accepted Answer

Change orders are written, signed, and priced before we execute — no surprise invoices. Small tweaks (swap a plant, move a paver edge) are usually absorbed; material or structural changes get a formal change order.

Question 12

Do you use subcontractors?

Accepted Answer

Our crews are W-2 Turftenders employees. We partner with a licensed arborist for large tree work and a licensed electrician for landscape lighting over 12V — both are known names who've worked with us for years.

Question 13

How much does artificial turf cost in Salinas?

Accepted Answer

$8–$15 per square foot installed, depending on turf grade, base requirements, and site access. A typical 500 sq ft front lawn runs $4,000–$7,500 turnkey.

Question 14

How long does artificial turf last?

Accepted Answer

High-quality turf lasts 15–25 years in the Monterey County climate. UV stabilizers protect against Central Coast sun, and a properly compacted subbase prevents premature wear.

Question 15

Is artificial turf safe for pets?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Pet-grade turf uses antimicrobial infill and permeable backing so urine drains through rather than pooling. Maintenance is hose-rinse only.

Question 16

Can I install artificial turf myself?

Accepted Answer

DIY is possible, but base preparation is the failure point — 90% of turf problems trace back to the subbase. Professional installs are warrantied; DIY is not.

Question 17

Does artificial turf get hot in summer?

Accepted Answer

In direct Salinas Valley summer sun, turf surface can reach 120–140°F. Cooling infills and lighter yarn colors cut peak temperatures by 15–20°F, and a quick hose rinse cools it instantly.

Question 18

Do you remove the old lawn before installing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Sod removal, tree-root trimming, and grade correction are included in the quote. Nothing left in the driveway, no demolition add-ons.

Question 19

How long does installation take?

Accepted Answer

A typical 500 sq ft residential install takes 1–2 days. Larger commercial jobs, putting greens, and complex drainage can take 3–5 days.

Question 20

Are there water-rebate programs in Monterey County?

Accepted Answer

Yes. MPWMD, Monterey One Water, and several Monterey County municipalities offer lawn-replacement rebates of $1–3 per sq ft. We document every install for easy rebate filing.

Question 21

Does turf damage my existing irrigation system?

Accepted Answer

No. We cap unused heads, preserve mainlines serving adjacent planting beds, and can tie your controller into an optional turf-rinse zone for easy cleaning.

Question 22

What warranty comes with the install?

Accepted Answer

8-year manufacturer product warranty on the turf plus a 1-year Turftenders workmanship warranty on base prep, seams, and infill. Keep the install invoice — it's your warranty document.

Question 23

How often should lawns be mowed in Salinas?

Accepted Answer

Every 7 days March through October, every 10–14 days November through February. Cutting more than 1/3 of the blade stresses the grass and invites disease.

Question 24

Do you handle sprinkler repair?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our crews repair sprinkler heads, valves, broken lines, and controller programming during regular maintenance visits with no diagnostic charge.

Question 25

What's included in weekly lawn service?

Accepted Answer

Mowing, edging all hard edges, string-trimming bed lines, clearing debris from hardscapes, and a visual irrigation and plant-health check.

Question 26

Do you offer one-time cleanups?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Seasonal cleanups, foreclosure/rental turnovers, and pre-listing yard resets are billed hourly with a 2-hour minimum.

Question 27

Are you licensed and insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes — $2M general liability and workers' comp covering every crew on your property. Certificate of insurance available on request.

Question 28

Can I pause service when I'm out of town?

Accepted Answer

Yes — with 48 hours' notice we skip visits while you're away. No penalty, no reschedule fee. Just email or text us the dates.

Question 29

Do you haul away green waste?

Accepted Answer

Included. Clippings, bed debris, and seasonal cleanup material leave with us in our trucks — no pile in the driveway waiting on your trash service.

Question 30

What chemicals do you use on my property?

Accepted Answer

Low-toxicity pre-emergents and slow-release fertilizer by default. Organic-only programs available on request. Every product applied is listed in your quarterly review.

Question 31

Do you mow when it's raining?

Accepted Answer

We skip rainy visits to avoid rutting your lawn. You'll get a text confirming the reschedule — usually the next dry day that fits our route.

Question 32

Can you maintain only planting beds (no lawn)?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Bed-only, tree-and-shrub-only, or irrigation-only programs are available for properties without turf or with artificial turf.

Question 33

Do you provide monthly HOA reports?

Accepted Answer

Yes — photo-documented walk-throughs, compliance flags, work completed, and recommendations, delivered to the board by the 5th of each month.

Question 34

How quickly can you respond to emergencies?

Accepted Answer

Within 24 hours for non-safety issues; within 2 hours for storm damage, irrigation breaks, or hazards requiring immediate attention.

Question 35

Can you attend board meetings?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Quarterly board-meeting attendance is included in most HOA contracts; ad-hoc attendance available on request.

Question 36

Do you carry the insurance HOAs require?

Accepted Answer

Yes — $2M general liability, auto, and workers' comp, with the HOA listed as additional insured on certificates.

Question 37

How do you handle water-use compliance?

Accepted Answer

We program smart controllers to MPWMD standards and document compliance in the monthly report so the board can answer any district inquiry in minutes.

Question 38

Do we get a dedicated account manager?

Accepted Answer

Every HOA contract has a named account manager — usually the lead on-site. Residents and board members know exactly who is responsible for their community.

Question 39

Can you help review homeowner architectural submittals?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We consult on homeowner plant-list and material submittals for a flat fee, billed to the HOA or the homeowner depending on your bylaws.

Question 40

How do you handle resident complaints?

Accepted Answer

Logged in the monthly report and responded to within 24 hours. Safety or storm-damage issues escalate to the account manager within 2 hours.

Question 41

What insurance limits do you carry for HOAs?

Accepted Answer

$2M general liability, $1M auto, and workers' comp at statutory limits. Certificate of insurance with the HOA listed as additional insured is available on request.

Question 42

Do you offer multi-year discounts?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Three-year contracts typically save 5–8% over annual renewals. Five-year contracts pair with CPI-capped annual escalators — predictable budgeting for the board.

Question 43

What plants work best for Monterey County?

Accepted Answer

Ceanothus, manzanita, coast rosemary, deer grass, California lilac, seaside daisy, and succulents thrive. Coastal properties favor fog-tolerant varieties; inland Salinas properties handle more full sun.

Question 44

Do you warranty plants?

Accepted Answer

Yes — 1-year replacement warranty on trees and shrubs installed with proper soil prep and supplemental irrigation during establishment.

Question 45

How long does establishment take?

Accepted Answer

Native shrubs establish over one rainy season (~8 months). Supplemental watering is required for the first summer; after that, most thrive on rainfall alone.

Question 46

Can you work around existing plants?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We specialize in selective renovation — retaining mature trees and established plantings while replacing failing or high-water areas.

Question 47

Do you install drip irrigation?

Accepted Answer

Yes — low-volume drip and smart-controller zones are designed into every softscape install and tuned for MPWMD compliance.

Question 48

Do you handle tree removal?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for trees up to about 30 ft tall. Larger trees or any tree near structures or power lines go to our licensed arborist partner — we coordinate on your behalf.

Question 49

Can you match existing plantings on a renovation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We identify existing species and match new plantings for mature size, texture, and bloom time so renovations blend seamlessly with what stays.

Question 50

How do you approach soil amendments?

Accepted Answer

Compost + biochar based on a soil analysis. Heavy Salinas Valley clay gets gypsum and organic matter. Sandy coastal soils get water-holding amendments. Every property gets a custom prep plan.

Question 51

Do you install vegetable gardens?

Accepted Answer

Yes — raised beds, drip irrigation, espalier fruit trees, and herb spirals. A popular add-on when we convert a traditional lawn to drought-tolerant landscape.

Question 52

What's your approach to pollinators?

Accepted Answer

All installs avoid neonicotinoid pesticides and prioritize California natives that feed local pollinators. Monarch-friendly varieties are standard for Pacific Grove properties.

Question 53

How much does a paver patio cost in Salinas?

Accepted Answer

Typical paver patios run $18–$28 per square foot installed — a 300 sq ft patio is $5,400–$8,400 depending on paver grade and site access.

Question 54

Do I need a permit for a retaining wall?

Accepted Answer

Yes in most Monterey County jurisdictions for walls over 4 feet or any wall supporting a surcharge. We handle the permit process on your behalf.

Question 55

Pavers vs. stamped concrete — which is better?

Accepted Answer

Pavers flex with seismic movement, are repairable panel by panel, and cost more upfront. Stamped concrete is cheaper initially but cracks over time and isn't repairable in place.

Question 56

How long does hardscape installation take?

Accepted Answer

A typical backyard transformation (patio + walkway + seat wall) takes 2–4 weeks weather-depending, with most of the schedule consumed by base preparation.

Question 57

Do you offer financing?

Accepted Answer

Yes — 0% APR promotional financing is available through Hearth and other partners for qualifying projects over $5,000.

Question 58

Do you pull permits for hardscape work?

Accepted Answer

Yes for retaining walls over 4 ft, any structural work, and drainage tie-ins to public systems. Permit fees are quoted separately so you see exactly what's going to the county.

Question 59

Will your equipment damage my driveway?

Accepted Answer

No. Our paver machines are rubber-tracked and lighter than a standard pickup truck. 15+ years of installs, zero driveway damage.

Question 60

How do pavers handle seismic soil movement?

Accepted Answer

Paver systems set in polymeric sand flex with soil movement because they're modular. Concrete slabs crack along fixed joint lines — pavers adjust without visible damage.

Question 61

Can you match an existing paver patio?

Accepted Answer

Usually yes. We identify the line and size, source replacement stock, and if the line is discontinued we match visually with the closest current equivalent.

Question 62

What happens if a paver cracks or stains years later?

Accepted Answer

Flip or replace a single unit in place. Paver systems are modular — that's why they outlast concrete and cost more up front.

Question 63

Do I really need a landscape designer?

Accepted Answer

For projects over $10k or requiring permit or HOA approval, yes — design pays for itself by avoiding rework and change orders. Smaller projects can skip formal design.

Question 64

How long does the design process take?

Accepted Answer

Concept plan: 2–3 weeks. Full construction documents: 4–8 weeks depending on scope and revision cycles.

Everything you're wondering.

Questions our Monterey County clients ask.

Didn't see your question?

Who's this quote for?

Everything you're wondering.

Questions our Monterey County clients ask.

How does Turftenders pricing work?

What areas do you serve?

How fast can you start my project?

Are you licensed and insured?

Do you offer financing?

How do I pay?

Do you guarantee your work?

Can you work with my HOA?

What happens after I request a quote?

Do you charge for consultations?

What if I want to change the scope mid-project?

Do you use subcontractors?

How much does artificial turf cost in Salinas?

How long does artificial turf last?

Is artificial turf safe for pets?

Can I install artificial turf myself?

Does artificial turf get hot in summer?

Do you remove the old lawn before installing?

How long does installation take?

Are there water-rebate programs in Monterey County?

Does turf damage my existing irrigation system?

What warranty comes with the install?

How often should lawns be mowed in Salinas?

Do you handle sprinkler repair?

What's included in weekly lawn service?

Do you offer one-time cleanups?

Are you licensed and insured?

Can I pause service when I'm out of town?

Do you haul away green waste?

What chemicals do you use on my property?

Do you mow when it's raining?

Can you maintain only planting beds (no lawn)?

Do you provide monthly HOA reports?

How quickly can you respond to emergencies?

Can you attend board meetings?

Do you carry the insurance HOAs require?

How do you handle water-use compliance?

Do we get a dedicated account manager?

Can you help review homeowner architectural submittals?

How do you handle resident complaints?

What insurance limits do you carry for HOAs?

Do you offer multi-year discounts?

What plants work best for Monterey County?

Do you warranty plants?

How long does establishment take?

Can you work around existing plants?

Do you install drip irrigation?

Do you handle tree removal?

Can you match existing plantings on a renovation?

How do you approach soil amendments?

Do you install vegetable gardens?

What's your approach to pollinators?

How much does a paver patio cost in Salinas?

Do I need a permit for a retaining wall?

Pavers vs. stamped concrete — which is better?

How long does hardscape installation take?

Do you offer financing?

Do you pull permits for hardscape work?

Will your equipment damage my driveway?

How do pavers handle seismic soil movement?

Can you match an existing paver patio?

What happens if a paver cracks or stains years later?

Do I really need a landscape designer?

How long does the design process take?

Do you provide 3D renderings?

Can you work with my existing contractor?

Do you design for HOAs and the Coastal Commission?

Do you handle permits and approvals for me?

Can I see the design in 3D before you build?

What if I want to build the project in phases?

Do you offer design-only (without install)?

Can you design for fire-safe / defensible space?

Didn't see your question?

Who's this quote for?